Many instructors and managers of adventure programs come to a time in their careers when they consider starting a program. In all cases, such a consideration begins with an idea. Evaluation of an idea's feasibility involves: (1) development of a program description that includes goals and objectives; (2) review of the proposal by others; (3)…

Provides annotated bibliography of 19 adventure books representing numerous outdoorswomen. Includes general surveys and collections of biographies (5), women's adventures in North America in the last few generations (5), and contemporary women's adventures (9). Lists titles, authors, publishers, and publication dates. (NEC)

Suggests possible responses for summer camp operators facing insurance rate increases and other insurance industry changes. Examines areas of risk in summer camping and suggests general ways that camps can become more desirable to the insurance industry as "insurable groups." (TES)

Since 1985, freshman entering the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, have embarked on a 3-day outdoor adventure program as part of their orientation experience prior to their first semester. Most of the 700-800 freshmen entering the university participate in the program titled "Passages." While half of the group is on…

Suggests assumptions upon which qualitative research is based are appropriate for studying organized camping because of reality, causality, generalizability, and objectivity. Summarizes five studies using qualitative methods to demonstrate findings that may result from this approach. (NEC)

The goals of and the development of a year-round outdoor-oriented adventure education program at The Asheville School in North Carolina is discussed. Available from: Center for Environmental, Camping and Outdoor Education; University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Pine Lake Field Campus; 4016 Blumenthal Road; Greensboro, NC, 27406. (AN)

Steps in integrating character values into the camp curriculum are: having a vision, choosing character values and relating them to program activities, providing incentives, ensuring that all levels can be completed during the camp session, making the program age-appropriate, providing staff training, tracking campers' progress, seeking feedback,…

Examines the impact of camping on pediatric cancer patients in the United States and Britain. Finds some evidence of increases in physical and social activities and knowledge about cancer and its treatment, and decreases in self-engaged activities. Notes that some studies point to potential deleterious effects from an extensive focus on disease.…

Describes numerous benefits of ropes courses including (1) increasing self-esteem; (2) promoting physical fitness; and (3) fostering group cooperation. Traces the history of ropes courses. Emphasizes safety through construction standards for ropes courses outlined in "Safety Practices in Adventure Programming" by Priest and Dixon. (KS)

Maple Leaf Outdoor Centre (Ontario) has added year-round outdoor education facilities and programs to help support its summer camp for disadvantaged children. Schools, youth centers, religious groups, and athletic teams conduct their own programs, collaborate with staff, or use staff-developed programs emphasizing adventure education and personal…

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award adopted flexible and creative strategies for delivering the expeditions section since the UK countryside was severely restricted during the foot-and-mouth crisis. This includes the option of undertaking ventures during winter. Because of greater risks during winter, advice and requirements are given concerning…

A survey of 49 colleges collected information about freshman wilderness orientation programs. Questions covered: (1) program goals; (2) activities to reach these goals; (3) follow-up goals and activities; (4) evaluation methods used; and (5) role and training of leaders. Institutional goals included program goals, personal growth goals, and social…

Two groups of students were taken on the same canoe trip and overnight outing. The unpleasant experience of the first group taught the leaders some important lessons about briefing, organizing access, checking gear, and preparedness in general that were used to make the second outing a success. (TD)

This bibliography of 2,170 theses and dissertations and 865 other studies updates the 1970 "Bibliography of Theses and Dissertations in Recreation, Parks, Camping, and Outdoor Education," published by the National Recreation and Park Association, and integrates the 1963 "Bibliography of Research" issued by the American Camping Association. The…

Explaining what outdoor experiential education is can be problematic, as a variety of terms are being used to identify a wide range of outdoor experiential learning methods. This paper proposes the metaphoric model of an umbrella to explain the relationships existing among these terms and their respective outdoor experiential learning methods. The…